Monthly Archives: December 2012

2 Corinthians 3.17-18 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever‑increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

As every year passes I grow more and more aware of God’s plan for me on this earth – to reflect His glory. As I reflect on 2012 I am reminded of the many blessings the Lord has bestowed on me. This blog will be very similar to my Thanksgiving blog, but it will be a 12 month photo journey of 2012. The idea was taken from my niece Lane Lewis who is a VERY talented photographer. You can check her work out here – https://laneybugphotos.wordpress.com. (and thanks to iPhoto…my photos are organized by date…those who know me know that organization is NOT my forte.)

Let the journey of blessings begin…

JANUARY

Boston Entry received!

The road before me in 2012 was the answered prayer of running the Boston Marathon with Team Hoyt. I was living my dream and the Lord was providing the DAY and the way!

Psalm 37.23 If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.

FEBRUARY

Scenic City Half Marathon – My number one fan is always cheering me on NO matter what mess I find myself in. 🙂 I have been told I don’t sit down for long and I’m ALWAYS into something…no, not me. 😉 My blessings continue daily with this God-given man…my husband. 🙂

Ezra 10.4 Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.

MARCH

Baby shower for my granddaughter!!!

Run with Trish 5K for Team Hoyt – Huge Success!!

APRIL – Busy Month!!!

My birthday! Yay! 43 and holding…great times!

Job 32.7 – I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’

EASTER 2012

Luke 24.2; 6-7…They found the stone rolled away from the tomb… He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

Our Easter canoe ride. 🙂 Fun times!

Highlight – We became grandparents of a beautiful baby girl!!!

Job 21.8 – They see their children established around them, their offspring before their eyes.

BOSTON 2013!!

Hebrews 11.1 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

My mailbox…God showing up in a real BIG way…Boston Marathon 2012!

We became in-laws to our daughter-in-love!

Job 41.7 – They are joined fast to one another; they cling together and cannot be parted.

Numbers 22:30 – The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?” “No,” he said.

Casper – the friendly wonky(sometimes-LOL!)

JUNE

Girl trip to the beach – rest and relaxation needed!

Psalm 23.1-3 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

4th anniversary trip!

1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us.

1 Corinthians 16:14 – Do everything in love.

June Races/Runs – Fun time with friends!

Proverbs 17:17 – A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Father’s Day – Exodus 20.12

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

My fisherman and encourager…Matthew 4.18-19

18 As Jesus walked alongside the Galilee Sea, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew, throwing fishing nets into the sea, because they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” he said, “and I’ll show you how to fish for people.”

JULY

Family fun!

Hebrews 2:11
Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

My brother and his wife new adventure – a food truck. 🙂

Sailing with my father-in-law…

Trip to Hot Springs to see some of my dear friends!

Cross made by my dearest and longest friends’ daughter – Emilee. Michelle adopted her this year and expanded her wonderful family. Emilee is quite an artist. We had fun during our visit in July.

THE COLOR RUN…Indianapolis!

Family fun during the Color Run with my sister and two amazing nieces!!

Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

1st Nascar Race @ the Indianapolis Speedway

Acts 20:24 …I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

AUGUST

Mud Run – Best 5k ever!

Psalm 40.2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.

The beginning of the dream coming to life…Newsom Woodworks!

Jeremiah 29.11 –

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

SEPTEMBER

Great fun at work!

Ecclesiastes 3:22
So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. For who can bring them to see what will happen after them?

More progress on Newsom Woodworks…Proverbs 14:23
All hardwork brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

OCTOBER

More running for HIM…

1 Corinthians 9.24 – Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.

Newsom Woodworks continued…

2nd addition to our donkey family…Bella!

Camping Trip – Stone Mountain

Psalm 24.1 – The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;2 for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.

Run for God Bible Study Fall Break Run

NOVEMBER

1 Thessalonians 5.16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Family came for Thanksgiving!

Pacers for the Chickamauga Half Marathon

1 Thessalonians 5.11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Proverbs 18.24

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin,
but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Oakridge Secret City Half Marathon Relay

Newsom Woodworks continued…

DECEMBER

Hebrews 12.1-3 – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Run For God Graduation Run

Boston Training officially started and entry form for 2013 Boston is in the mail!

Hebrews 11.1 For Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see…

1500 miles has never been in my vision…by HIS grace and for His glory!

Newsom Woodworks to be continued….

Family – I am so blessed!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

We run into the new year…2013 will be full of blessings from our Lord Jesus Christ.

As I reflect on the blessings of 2012, I am humbled by God’s grace and provision. We are seeing Mike’s God-given dream come to fruition and I have seen my running talent take off once I turned it over to HIM. Our family and friends continue to bless us and complete us. We are so very thankful for everyone in our lives and how each of you have blessed our lives in 2012! We look forward to following the Lord’s lead in 2013!

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

At the beginning of the year I committed to trying to get 1000 miles this year. I knew with my marathon training it would be possible. I had no idea 1500 would be until about 3 months ago. Once I saw that it would actually be doable…I was all for it. I had it planned to finish up on my new year’s eve run. But God had a different plan. He knew I would start my new marathon training plan 2 weeks ago. He knew my beautiful 1500 would come today on Christmas Day. He also knew I would be out there with my training buddy and dear friend, Yoli.

What an incredible feeling it was knowing that the past year I have been able to run for HIM the distance from Dallas, Texas through Los Angeles, California almost getting to Santa Barbara, California. I have driven that route at least 4 times in my life and it amazes me to know I have now run that far…wow! I know it was only with HIS strength that I had the stamina and the discipline to conquer such a feat. My miles were prayed over by many, especially my dear husband who celebrates and encourages every step of the way. Thanks to all of you who are my prayer warriors!!!

There were ups and downs. There were straight stretches and bends. All of these came on the road and in life. But, with Jesus, He made everything beautiful!

“You Make Everything Beautiful!” – Rebecca St. James

Grant me serenity to accept things
The things I cannot change
Grant me the courage, Lord, to change what I can
Wisdom to know the difference
In my weakness You can shine
In Your strength I can fly and

You make everything, everything beautiful
You make everything, everything new
You make everything, everything beautiful
In its time, in Your time
It’s beautiful

Grant me serenity, Lord, and patience
For things will take time
Grant me freedom to walk a new path
And let me feel Your love
In my weakness You can shine
In Your strength I can fly and

Praying He helps me lean on HIM in 2013 – and to not forget the 12 most important words –

ASavior Has Been Born To You. He is Christ the LORD!

Praying He helps me spread the news of His birth and His death – saving us from sin through His Grace and Truth because we need a Savior from the mess of this world. He does make everything beautiful!!! Do you know the 12 words? Have they become flesh to you? Have they made your life beautiful even in the ashes? He can and is waiting!

This is my prayer for us all in 2013 – that we have a year of the Lord’s favor! (while also doing our part!)

The Year of the Lord’s Favor – Isaiah 61.1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

John 1.14

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son,

who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

He came to earth and moves into the mess of our lives! He is full of truth and full of grace. He is with you now! Louie Giglio

“O Holy Night” first song played on the radio, Christmas Eve 1906

O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!

Are we on our knees? He will meet us there! He was born to be our friend! Wow! In times of trials!

This day and this season is a joyful one but also a trying one for many. As I watched Louie Giglio’s The Twelve Words of Christmas, I reflected on the reason Christ was born on this Christmas Day. He was born as our Savior, in the flesh to live as we live and we feel as we feel. He can come to us now in the mess of our lives and bring truth and grace. He can make a mess majestic! He can straighten the bend in the road. 🙂 Thank you Lord for sending your Son to earth to save us and help us through life every step of the way!

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It is that time once again. Time to buckle down and get busy. Time to continue to build on my base. Time to focus on my goal. Time to train for marathon number 9! With Boston 2013 17 weeks away…it’s time once again to RUN!

On Tuesday, December 11, I received my new training book – The Hanson’s Marathon Method. After reading and researching different training methods…this is the one I chose. My goal for Boston 2013 is to qualify once again under the new standards while running with JOY for our Lord and Savior. My time goal will be 3:45. With His help and my training I can do it.

This training includes EASY runs – 1-2 minutes slower than goal pace; speed work; strength work; tempo runs and long runs. One week in, I LOVE the easy runs. They have helped me find the joy again. 🙂 Speed work was tough…but doable. 🙂 The first one helped me find my confidence again. (You know, there are times when I am out there wondering, “how did I ever do this?”) So, after week one…I am ready! God has revealed HIMSELF once again with the blessing of this book and the start of the training. I am excited to once again be on the journey to my next mailbox – Boston 2013!

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a Spirit of power. (2 Timothy 1:7)